Company History
1875
In 1875 Thomas Wood Bennett, who invented the reinforced edge, created his factory of hotel porcelain. Dunn Bennett was founded by William Dunn (master potter) and Thomas Wood Bennett (an ambitious salesman).
1911
The Company equipped Scott’s ill-fated expedition to the South Pole free of charge, in return for being able to advertise the tableware as being durable
and tough.
1937
Dalehall works (present location) was acquired and gradually modernised.
1968
Steelite vitreous body created.
Dunn Bennett & Co Ltd was acquired by Doulton & Co and became the Hotelware Division of Royal Doulton.
1974
Steelite is internationally acclaimed for toughness with elegance’ within the Hotel and Restaurant industry.
1983
Hotelware division of Royal Doulton Acquired. Mr David Edward Dunn Johnson bought the whole hotelware division from Royal Doulton. Steelite International plc was formed.
1991
Steelite International USA Inc and Steelite International Canada Ltd were formed.
1995
Export sales exceeded home sales volume for the first time.
1998
First robot installed in the aerographing department.
2001
11th September – An order was received from the ‘Windows on the World’ Restaurant on the top floor of the World Trade Centre. At 1.45pm UK time, it was destroyed by terrorists.
2007
The company currently employs over 750 people and has an annual turnover of circa £50m.
2010
Awarded Gold Green Apple award for Lamella project.
Made for Life campaign launched.
Launch of Lifetime Edge Chip Warranty on Distinction & Performance ranges, extending our commitment to quality products.
2012
Craft range wins Innovator Award at Star Chef’s International Chefs Congress in New York.
2013
First tableware manufacturer certified as ‘Approved Supplier’ to the hospitality industry by the Sustainable Restaurant Association.
Honoured with Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category.
Steelite International celebrate 30th anniversary since becoming independent in 1983.
2014
Craft wins Product Excellence Award – The Caterer.
Opening of new Dish Cell.
2016
John Miles, President of Steelite USA and PNC Riverach Capital acquire Steelite International.
Nominated for a European Business Award.
2017
7th consecutive year of growth £117m.
Willow wins the prestigious RedDot design award.
2018
Launch of the new flagship London showroom.
2019
Steelite partners with Arbor Investments
Awarded Gold Green Apple award for Environmental Best Practice
Acquisition of D.W. Haber and Kenny Mack Designs
2020
The biggest launch of Steelite Core product made in Stoke-on-Trent ever.
Our biggest ever Frankfurt Ambiente trade show took place, with a size almost double anything prior
2020
Steelite acquired the fine bone china company, William Edwards England, adding a world-class bone china solution to our offering.
We celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the world-renowned Craft range with the launch of a brand new colourway; Raspberry